[pierce652]

Originally Posted by BigCliff

I would put a Ross Cimarron or Colorado 1 on it and call it good. This one looks alright too: Fly Fishing Reels and Pliers - Ross Wordwide - Quality Fly Fishing Reels and Gear - ross worldwide flycast Or this one, cheaper still: Fly Fishing Reels and Pliers - Ross Wordwide - Quality Fly Fishing Reels and Gear - ross worldwide flystart Were I in the Orvis Fan club, I would probably pick a Mid-Arbor Battenkill.

I have the mid arbor Battenkill on my Orvis 9' 5wt. Do you need it? Not where I am. The average trout is a couple pounds. Dont get into the name...Get a reel with a good drag system and you will be set. I just wish the spare reels on the Battenkill's were a bit cheaper.

I just got a cheapo 6'6" Eagle Claw and the Battenkill is too heavy for it so I think Im gonna go for the cheapo bushwhacking combo...

[Alligator]

Intersting comment on the "click."

If you've got a good rod, then I'd spring for a mid-ranged price reel; you may not catch more fish, but you'll enjoy it more.

They used to say a reel is only a place to store line, which is like saying a tit is a devise to feed babies. It msses a lot of nuance.

[tlcrep]

Originally Posted by Joni

Cowboy, you are right about not needing to go top $ on a reel. I had a plastic Large Arbor that was around $30. The drag on this thing was an "O" ring. No big deal on a 3wt rod....worked just fine.
On the other hand, the more pricy reels have very smooth drags and other features.
It's like, you could buy a tool kit at Walmart or one from snap on. They both are going to do the same job, but the snap on will last longer, is warrantied, and has resale value.

Hi Joni, you should talk to Greg about the reel he got from Great Bay Rods. A 5/6 large arbor, cnc barstock, the one way clutch is machined, and the drag is used for saltwater for tuna and other big game. Best yet it only retails for $100 for the 3/4 and 5/6 models, with a lifetime warranty, and looks awesome.

At first I thought the 5/6 would be a bit heavy since it is a large arbor for my 5 weight 7 foot 6 weight soft action rod, but it still balances in the cork.

[tlcrep]

Originally Posted by Frank Whiton

When it comes to buying a reel where you are in fly fishing has a lot to do with the amount you spend. A beginner may want to spend as little as possible but a long time fly fisher may want to get something special. If your are a fresh water fisher you only need two reels. .

Hey Frank, I think I might disagree with you on a freshwater fisherman only needing 2 reels. if someone fishes a 000 weight txl, a 4 weight for trout, a 7 weight for trout, a 7/8 weight spey rod, and a 10/11 weight spey rod, what 2 reels (assume as many spools as needed) would one buy?

[socalsalt]

Originally Posted by tie one on

Good Day to All,Do you need a more expensive reel on let's say a 4wt rodif you are only fishing for trout & using smaller flies ?I have been debating on what reel to buy for my new Sage FLi 4wt.I have looked at a BIG variety of reels from $29 up to $275. What are some of your thoughts, or suggestions ?The only factor that really concerns me is the reel weight.I do not want a "heavy" reel on this wonderful rod, but I don'tfeel I need to spend $275 for a reel. The size fish I would be after I never use the reel to land them.( I have been using my 5wt up to this point & don't use thereel on that rod either. ) I don't see the need.I just hold the line against the handle with my right hand & pullthe line in with the left. It's still a great fight & I don't lose themvery often.What are your thoughts ?Tie One On

No, you DONT need a expensive fly reel. You can get a okuma sierra for $32 that will have a drag to support trout up 8 pounds. Very light too.

[hardhat]

I like reels where the drag has small adjustments. What I mean by that is that the drag does not go from zero to tight in just a little adjustment. I also like to be able remove the spool easily. In the mid priced range I like the Orvis battenkill mid arbor and the Lamson conical. Galvan reels are probably my favorite. Sometimes I fish some of the larger rivers out west so many times the fish are on the drag.

[Joni]

Originally Posted by hardhat

I like reels where the drag has small adjustments. What I mean by that is that the drag does not go from zero to tight in just a little adjustment. I also like to be able remove the spool easily. In the mid priced range I like the Orvis battenkill mid arbor and the Lamson conical. Galvan reels are probably my favorite. Sometimes I fish some of the larger rivers out west so many times the fish are on the drag.

AMEN to that brother. The drag gets a work out for me. I try to play the fish from the reel majority of the time anyway (don't step on my line, or in deep nymphing with a 30' mono leader, it is the only way to save fingers).
Good choices by the way!
My latest is the Vosseler RCL. Total rim control. But it comes with three little plugs. I put all three in the reel to avoid back lashing, and it is the PERFECT drag....no knob playing.

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by hardhat

I like reels where the drag has small adjustments. What I mean by that is that the drag does not go from zero to tight in just a little adjustment. I also like to be able remove the spool easily. In the mid priced range I like the Orvis battenkill mid arbor and the Lamson conical. Galvan reels are probably my favorite. Sometimes I fish some of the larger rivers out west so many times the fish are on the drag.

Hi hardhat,

A good point about the drag. That is one reason I like the Galvan Open Back. I don't think I would call the Orvis Battenkill mid-arbor a mid-priced reel. I consider the $300 dollar reels as mid-priced. The Orvis MA is way below that price.

Frank

[flyflingerandy]

For a $300 reel to be midrange price-wise, you must be well off. I am looking into either an 0wt or 2wt and will be getting an Orvis BBS I. Great price, nice drag, and pretty to look at. Oh yeah, it does not weigh but 3.2oz. I think of anything over $150 to be pretty pricey, which I guess is where fly fishing gets its stigma as being EXPENSIVE. There is quality tackle available for less, heck, just look at Orvis reels, and TFO rods...a match made in heaven in my opinion...but I want a TXL BAD!

[yatahey]

Amazingly diverse and interesting thread. Glad to see there are others out there who play the fish from the line. The new school train of thought seems to be, "Get the fish on the reel as soon as possible." Why? Other than having a lot of line on the water or under your feet. I've always felt that it's easier to play a fish with the line. It gives me a better feel for what the fish is doing and I have total control of how much line I pull in or let out.
As for reels. Funny thing. I still use my old Martin tin reel on my 7W for streamer fishing. It has withstood incredible punishment and still works fine.
On my 5W I had a (don't laugh) $17 plastic Cortland. Saturday I fished Eleven mile canyon and caught upwords of 100 fish from 8 inches to 26 inches. The plastic Corland basically blew up. Monday I went out and bought a Battenkill Mid Arbor. It was only $127 including tax. I believe a sound investment that will last for years. I had lots of problems with the Cortland before it's final death throws. The line would work it's way behind the spool, I'd get line stuck on the spool, loops would form on the spool and kink up. It was horrible. Glad to be rid of it.